Squeaky Stair Repair in Lakefield

A squeaky staircase is more than just an annoyance; it’s a sign of a structural issue. Over time, wood shrinks, fasteners loosen, and parts start to rub together. This friction is what you hear with every step. We don't just patch the problem, we get to the bottom of it to give you a solid, quiet set of stairs that will last. It's a straightforward fix when you know what you're doing.

Why Your Stairs Squeak

Stair squeaks happen for one reason: movement. When you step on a stair, parts that are supposed to be tight rub against each other. Usually, it's the tread (the part you step on) rubbing against the riser (the vertical piece) or the stringer (the side support). Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity, and over the years, the original nails or glue can loosen. This creates gaps, allowing for friction and that annoying squeak.

Trying to silence it by driving a nail into the top of the tread is a temporary fix at best. The nail will just work itself loose again because it doesn't solve the underlying movement problem. You need to secure the components together so they can't move.

Our Repair Process

We take a direct approach to fixing noisy stairs. First, we identify exactly where the movement is happening. This involves inspecting the stairs from above and, if accessible, from below. We pinpoint the specific treads and risers causing the noise.

Once we find the source, we secure the components permanently. We don't just use more finishing nails. We use a combination of construction-grade adhesive and specialized counter-snap screws. The adhesive fills the gaps and creates a strong bond, while the screws pull the tread down tight to the stringer or riser. The heads of these screws are designed to snap off below the wood surface, leaving a tiny hole that's easily filled and virtually invisible, even on finished hardwood. For stairs with carpet, we can often work right through the pile with minimal disturbance.

This method creates a solid, unified structure that eliminates the friction and stops the squeak for good. It's a proper structural repair, not a cosmetic patch. We only work on indoor staircases, ensuring a focused and expert solution for the stairs inside your home.